13 days tour
Hidden Vietnam: Sapa & Beyond
$ 3,000 .00 USD
Total price per person
Reserve with $3,000.00
Others
All listed activities
Guide
Tour leader throughout
Meals
There are 11 breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners included. Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings and consequently maintains a reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world that still packs a punch. Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a myriad of verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country, where you are just as likely to be offered a banh mi (stuffed baguette) as you are pho (noodle soup). Also be sure to seek out the national drinks. Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the north out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing. Food is cheap in Vietnam, and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere, except at the homestay in northern Vietnam. Vegetarian food is widely available; however, the offering will be fairly similar in most places. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.
Transport
Throughout the tour, we use a private coach/minibus, usually with air conditioning. Road conditions are generally good and improving all the time. However, progress can be slow in the main cities due to traffic. The trains are normally on time, but you may experience delays and departure times can change without notice. Boats are used at various points in the itinerary; these are nearly always private. There is one domestic flight included from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City. Tet holiday period (Vietnamese New Year) During the Tet holiday period, 28 January to 3 February 2025 and 16-21 February 2026, and two weeks either side of Tet, our itinerary is subject to minor change as despite booking hotels and trains in advance, rooms and seats are difficult to obtain during this busy festive period when people are travelling home to celebrate with their families. It is unlikely that changes will occur and if they do it is likely we will just need to use alternative accommodation.
Accommodation
The accommodation on this trip provides an adventurous variety of places to stay. We spend seven nights in hotels, two nights at a lake resort, one night at a lodge on Cat Ba Island. We also spend one night in a homestay in the hillside village of Ta Phin near Sapa. Finally, we have one night on the Reunification Express, a sleeper train that takes us from Hanoi to Dong Hoi. The normal accommodations used on this trip are on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are some of the notable places we stay. Ta Phin: Homestay (night 3) During our time in the village of Ta Phin, we are looked after by local ethnic communities. The rooms are relatively basic; bedding and a small towel are provided, while there are shared bathroom facilities with a shower. The real highlight though is the hospitality of our hosts and being able to experience an authentic home-cooked dinner made from local produce. Cat Ba island: Cat Ba Ecolodge (night 5) We overnight at the Cat Ba Ecolodge, ideally situated in the heart of Cat Ba island. Surrounded by nature, it sits in a secluded setting featuring lush gardens, a swimming pool, and a restaurant offering a variety of locally grown Vietnamese meals. Reunification Express: (night 6) Our sleeper train takes us from Hanoi to Dong Hoi โ a classic journey in this part of the world. Itโs an essential part of the tour, linking two special destinations without resorting to flying or a lengthy coach trip. However, trains in Vietnam are not luxurious and itโs best to come prepared to maximise your experience โ weโve found extra warm layers to combat the air conditioning and ear plugs can provide a little more comfort! We stay in soft-bed berths, usually four passengers per berth. The trains here are safe but, as with any trip, we recommend you keep valuables with you. Snacks are normally offered on board and most trains have Western-style facilities, but some are equipped with squat toilets. Phong Nha: Phong Nha Lakehouse (nights 7-8) This resort is located by the tranquil Dong Suon Lake and only a 10-minute drive from Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. The Lakehouse is a multi-functional resort with facilities catering for relaxation and fun, including an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, and the option to kayak on the lake. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and mosquito nets. Worth knowing Single supplements are available (on request) but only for 10 nights of the trip (hotel nights). Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement. Private bathroom facilities are not available at the homestay in Ta Phin village or the overnight sleeper train. The accommodation listed in each location on the day-to-day itinerary are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality.
Not included:
Flights
Flights are not included
Others
โ Travel Insurance โ Single accommodation (available on request) โ Visas or vaccinations
Insurance
Insurance is not included
Optional
Other activities and services are not included
Start planning your experience
Itinerary of your trip Hidden Vietnam: Sapa & Beyond
- Day 1 Day 1: Start Hanoi
Day 1: Start Hanoi
- Day 2 Day 2: Early Departure To Sapa; Free Time To Explore The Market (Breakfast)
Day 2: Early Departure To Sapa; Free Time To Explore The Market (Breakfast)
- Day 3 Day 3: Trek Among Lush Forests And Terraced Rice Fields To Ta Phin Village; Overnight Homestay (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
Day 3: Trek Among Lush Forests And Terraced Rice Fields To Ta Phin Village; Overnight Homestay (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
Experience Style
Mixed
There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโre also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.
Accomodation level
Medium
This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.
Experience Type
Small Group
Youโll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.
Physical Rating
Basic
Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.
Age range
Min: 16 / Max: 80
Age range allowed for this experience.
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